In recent news, Moscow has expressed its “unwavering support” for Bolivian President Luis Arce following a failed coup attempt on Wednesday. The attempted putsch was led by the commander of the Armed Forces, General Juan Jose Zuniga. His troops occupied Plaza Murillo, the central square in the Bolivian capital La Paz, and broke into the presidential palace, but faced resistance at home and rebukes internationally.
Russia has strongly condemned the attempted coup, stating that internal political disputes must be settled within the framework of constitutional law. The Foreign Ministry’s statement on Thursday called Bolivia a “strategic partner,” emphasizing their intention to join BRICS, a group of not-Western economies which includes Russia among its founding members.
The statement also stressed that Bolivia has faced destructive foreign interference in the past, such as during the 2019 coup which ousted then-President Evo Morales and put into power the government of Senator Jeanine Anez.
Bolivia fell prey to a coup in 2019, which was followed by the crackdown on mass protests in the country, with scores of people being killed or injured during clashes between security forces and protesters.
Arce, who assumed office in 2020, has been at odds with Morales over the future of their political force, the Movement for Socialism. However, Morales has unequivocally condemned the attempt to oust his former ally and urged the public to mobilize against General Zuniga. The coup leader was arrested hours after he tried to usurp power.
In conclusion, the failed putsch in Bolivia shows the ongoing instability in the region despite attempts by countries like Russia to maintain stability through partnerships with nations such as Bolivia.